WO2020027596A1

WO2020027596A1 - Method for controlling refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2020027596A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/009598
Authority: WO
Inventors: 안승욱; 차경훈; 채수남
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2018-08-02
Filing date: 2019-08-01
Publication date: 2020-02-06
Also published as: AU2019314054B2; AU2019314054A1; CN112513550B; US11732948B2; US20210302092A1; KR102567056B1; CN112513550A; EP3832237A4; KR20200015107A; EP3832237A1

Abstract

A method for controlling a refrigerator in the present embodiment comprises the steps of: as a first refrigeration cycle for refrigeration of a first storage chamber is operated, operating a compressor and operating a first cold air supply means for the first storage chamber; when the first refrigeration cycle has been operated for a first run time, converting to a second refrigeration cycle for refrigeration of a second storage chamber, and operating a second cold air supply means; and if the second refrigeration cycle has been operated for a second run time, stopping the second refrigeration cycle. In particular, a first reference time is determined using a representative value obtained on the basis of the temperature of the first storage chamber during a single run cycle, which includes a previous first refrigeration cycle and a previous second refrigeration cycle; a control unit causes the first refrigeration cycle to operate for the determined first reference time; a second reference time period is determined using a representative value obtained on the basis of the temperature of the second storage chamber during the single run cycle; and the control unit causes the second refrigeration cycle to operate for the determined second reference time.

Description

Refrigerator Control Method

The present invention relates to a control method of a refrigerator.

Refrigerators are home appliances that keep food at a low temperature, so that the storage compartment is always kept at a constant low temperature.

In the case of the domestic refrigerator, the storage compartment is maintained at a temperature within the upper limit range and the lower limit range based on the set temperature. That is, the refrigerator is controlled by driving a refrigeration cycle when the storage compartment temperature rises to the upper limit temperature, cooling the storage compartment, and stopping the refrigeration cycle when the storage compartment temperature reaches the lower limit temperature.

In recent years, refrigerators in which freezers and refrigerators have evaporators, respectively, have been developed. Such a refrigerator allows the refrigerant to flow to one of the evaporators of the cooling chamber and the refrigerating chamber and then to the other evaporator.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1576686 (Registration Date 2015.12.04), which is a prior art document, discloses a control method of a refrigerator.

The control method of the refrigerator disclosed in the prior literature operates the refrigerator compartment valve and the freezer compartment fan to cool the refrigerator compartment, and then operates the freezer compartment valve and the freezer compartment fan to cool the freezer compartment.

After the cooling of the freezer compartment is completed, the compressor is stopped. In this state, the freezer compartment is rotated to lower the temperature of the freezer compartment by using latent heat of evaporation.

By the way, in the case of the prior document, it is possible to lower the temperature of the freezer compartment in the state in which the compressor is stopped, but there is a problem that can not lower the temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

In general, the freshness of food stored in the refrigerating compartment is higher the less the change in the temperature of the refrigerating compartment. If the food is fresh, the shelf life of the food may be increased.

However, in the case of the prior document, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber continuously increases until the compressor is operated again for cooling the cooling chamber in the state where the compressor is stopped, and the temperature of the refrigerating chamber is lowered when the compressor is operated again. Is large. Therefore, there is a problem that the freshness of food stored in the refrigerating chamber is inferior.

The present invention provides a control method of a refrigerator controlled to reduce a change in temperature of a storage compartment in order to improve freshness of a stored object.

In addition, the present invention provides a control method of a refrigerator capable of reducing power consumption generated during the on process of a compressor.

In one embodiment, a control method of a refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a first evaporator configured to receive coolant from the compressor, and generate cold air for cooling the first storage compartment, and to supply cold air to the first storage compartment. First cold air supply means, a second evaporator receiving coolant from the compressor to generate cold air for the second storage compartment, second cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the second storage compartment, the compressor and the first And a valve for selectively opening any one of a first refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to flow between the first evaporator and a second refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to the compressor and the second evaporator. A control method of a refrigerator configured to alternately cool a storage compartment and a cooling of the second storage compartment, wherein the cooling of the first storage compartment is performed. This is the first cycle for cooling operation step of the compressor is operating, and the first cold air supply means to the first storage operation; When the first cooling cycle is operated for a first operation time, switching to a second cooling cycle for cooling the second storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating the second cold air supply means; And when the second cooling cycle has been operated for a second operating time, the second cooling cycle is stopped.

The first reference time is determined using a representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first storage compartment during one operation cycle comprising the previous first cooling cycle and the previous second cooling cycle, and the control unit determines the The first cooling cycle may be operated for a first reference time.

The second reference time is determined using the representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation period, and the control unit is configured to cause the second cooling cycle to be operated during the determined second reference time. Can be.

The representative value of the first storage compartment may be a temperature deviation of the first storage compartment, and the representative value of the second storage compartment may be a temperature deviation of the second storage compartment.

The controller may compare the representative value and the reference value of each of the storage rooms, and determine the first and second operating time according to the comparison result.

When the reference value and the representative value of each storage chamber are the same, the controller may determine the first operation time and the second operation time to be the same time as the operation time in the previous cycle.

When the difference between the reference value and the representative value of the storage compartment is greater than zero, the controller may determine to increase the first reference time and the second reference time than the operation time in the previous cycle.

If the difference between the reference value and the representative value of the storage compartment is less than 0, the controller may determine to decrease the first reference time and the second reference time from the operation time of the previous cycle.

Regardless of the number of cycles, the compressor can be operated with a fixed cooling force.

In this embodiment, the cold power of the compressor in the current first cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the first storage compartment during the one operating cycle and remains the same as the cold power of the compressor of the previous first cooling cycle. Or variable.

In addition, the cooling power of the compressor in the current second cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation cycle, and may be maintained or changed to be equal to the cooling power of the compressor of the previous second cooling cycle. Can be.

A control method of a refrigerator according to another aspect includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a first evaporator for receiving coolant from the compressor and generating cold air for cooling the first storage compartment, and for supplying cold air to the first storage compartment. First cold air supply means, a second evaporator receiving coolant from the compressor to generate cold air for the second storage compartment, second cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the second storage compartment, the compressor and the first And a valve for selectively opening any one of a first refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to flow between the first evaporator and a second refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to the compressor and the second evaporator. A control method of a refrigerator configured to alternately cool a storage compartment and a cooling of the second storage compartment, wherein the cooling of the first storage compartment is performed. It is that the first refrigeration cycle operation for the step of the compressor is operating, and the first cold air supply means to the first storage operation; When the first cooling cycle is operated for a first reference time, switching to a second cooling cycle for cooling the second storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating the second cold air supply means; And when the second cooling cycle has been operated for a second reference time, the second cooling cycle is stopped, wherein the cooling force of the compressor in the current first cooling cycle is equal to the previous first cooling cycle. Is determined using a representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first reservoir during one operation cycle comprising a second cooling cycle of the controller, and the control unit is configured to operate the compressor in the current first cooling cycle with the determined cooling force. And the cooling power of the compressor in the current second cooling cycle is determined using the representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation cycle, and the controller determines that the compressor is currently To operate in the second cooling cycle.

The representative value of the first storage compartment may be an average temperature of the first storage compartment, and the representative value of the second storage compartment may be an average temperature of the second storage compartment.

Alternatively, the representative value of the first storage compartment may be an average temperature of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the first storage compartment, and the representative value of the second storage compartment may be an average temperature of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the second storage compartment.

The controller may compare the representative value of each storage compartment with a set temperature of each storage compartment, and determine the cooling power of the compressor according to the comparison result.

The controller may determine the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle to the same cooling power as that of the compressor in the previous cycle when the set temperature and the representative value of the storage compartments are the same.

The controller may determine that the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle is lower than that of the compressor in the previous cycle when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value of the storage compartment is greater than zero.

When the difference between the set temperature and the representative value of the storage chamber is less than zero, it may be determined that the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle is increased than that of the compressor in the previous cycle.

The first reference time and the second reference time may be fixed times.

Alternatively, the first operating time in the current first cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the first reservoir during the one operating cycle, and may be equal to or varying the first operating time of the previous first cooling cycle. Can be.

The second operating time in the current second cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operating cycle, and may be the same or variable as the second operating time of the previous second cooling cycle. .

According to another aspect, a control method of a refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a first evaporator configured to receive coolant from the compressor, and generate cold air for cooling the first storage compartment, and supplying cold air to the first storage compartment. First cold air supply means for supplying a second evaporator to generate cool air for a second storage compartment by receiving refrigerant from the compressor, second cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the second storage compartment, the compressor and the And a valve for selectively opening any one of a first refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to flow between the first evaporator and a second refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to the compressor and the second evaporator. 1. A control method of a refrigerator configured to alternately cool a storage compartment and a cooling of the second storage compartment, the control method of the refrigerator. It is that the first refrigeration cycle operation for each step of the compressor is operating, and the first cold air supply means to the first storage operation; When the first cooling cycle is operated for a first operation time, switching to a second cooling cycle for cooling the second storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating the second cold air supply means; And when the second cooling cycle has been operated for a second operating time, the second cooling cycle is stopped, wherein the cooling force of the compressor in the current first cooling cycle is equal to the previous first cooling cycle. Is determined using a first representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first reservoir during one operation cycle comprising a second cooling cycle of the controller, and the control unit determines that the compressor is And the cooling power of the compressor in the current second cooling cycle is determined using a second representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operating cycle, and the control unit The compressor is operated in the current second cooling cycle, and the first reference time includes a previous first cooling cycle and a previous second cooling cycle. Determined using a third representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first storage room during one operation cycle, and a control unit causes the first cooling cycle to be operated for the determined first reference time, and the second reference time. Is determined using a fourth representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation period, and the control unit causes the second cooling cycle to be operated during the determined second reference time.

According to another aspect, a control method of a refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a first evaporator configured to receive coolant from the compressor, and generate cold air for cooling the first storage compartment, and supplying cold air to the first storage compartment. First cold air supply means for supplying a second evaporator to generate cool air for a second storage compartment by receiving refrigerant from the compressor, second cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the second storage compartment, the compressor and the And a valve for selectively opening any one of a first refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to flow between the first evaporator and a second refrigerant passage connecting the refrigerant to the compressor and the second evaporator. 1. A control method of a refrigerator configured to alternately cool a storage compartment and a cooling of the second storage compartment, the initial operation of the refrigerator comprising: Further comprising: the compressor is operating is the first cooling cycle for cooling the first storage group is operated, and the first cold air supply means to the first storage operation; When the first cooling cycle is operated for a first reference time, switching to a second cooling cycle for cooling the second storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating the second cold air supply means; And when the second cooling cycle has been operated for a second reference time, the second cooling cycle is stopped, wherein the cooling force of the compressor in the current first cooling cycle is equal to the previous first cooling cycle. Is determined using a first representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first reservoir during one operation cycle comprising a second cooling cycle of the controller, and the control unit determines that the compressor is And the cooling power of the compressor in the current second cooling cycle is determined using a second representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operating cycle, and the control unit If the compressor is operated in the current second cooling cycle, and the cooling force fluctuations satisfy the stabilization conditions in each cooling cycle, the control unit, The first operating time of the first cooling cycle is determined using the third representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first storage chamber during the first operation cycle, and the determined first operating time is the first reference time. The second operating time of the second cooling cycle is determined using the fourth representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation cycle, and the second operating time is The second reference time is the same or different.

According to the proposed invention, the cold power of the compressor or the operating time of the cycle can be varied based on the temperature of the storage compartment in the previous cycle, so that the temperature variation range of the storage compartment can be reduced, thereby improving the freshness of the storage. have.

In addition, since the compressor is continuously operated while varying the cold power of the compressor and / or the operating time of the cycle, the compressor can be prevented from operating with excessive cold power, and the compressor does not need to be turned off before turning on the compressor. There is an advantage that can reduce the power consumption by the required starting power.

1 is a view schematically showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a flow chart for schematically explaining a basic control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining an operating time of each of a refrigerating cycle and a refrigerating cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating a method of determining the cooling force of the compressor when each of the refrigerating cycle and the refrigeration cycle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as much as possible even though they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature, order or order of the components are not limited by the terms. If a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is another component between each component. It will be understood that may be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

1 is a view schematically showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 having a freezing compartment 111 and a refrigerating compartment 112 formed therein, and coupled to the cabinet 10. And a door (not shown) for opening and closing the freezing compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 112, respectively.

The freezing chamber 111 and the refrigerating chamber 112 may be partitioned in the left and right or up and down directions in the cabinet 10 by the partition wall 113.

The refrigerator 1 may be referred to as a compressor 21, a condenser 22, an expansion member 23, and a freezer compartment evaporator 24 (or “first evaporator”) for cooling the freezer compartment 111. And a refrigerator compartment evaporator 25 (or referred to as a “second evaporator”) for cooling the refrigerator compartment 112.

The refrigerator 1 may include a switching valve 26 for allowing the refrigerant passing through the expansion member 23 to flow into any one of the freezer compartment evaporator 24 and the refrigerator compartment evaporator 26.

In the present invention, a state in which the switching valve 26 is operated so that the refrigerant flows to the freezer compartment evaporator 24 may be referred to as a first state of the switching valve 26. In addition, a state in which the switching valve 26 is operated so that the refrigerant flows into the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25 may be referred to as a second state of the switching valve 26. The switching valve 26 may be, for example, a three way valve.

The switching valve 26 is a first refrigerant passage for connecting the refrigerant flows between the compressor 21 and the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25, and between the compressor 21 and the freezing chamber evaporator 24. One of the second refrigerant passages connecting the refrigerant to flow therebetween may be selectively opened. The switching valve 26 may alternately cool the refrigerator compartment 112 and the freezer compartment 111. have.

The refrigerator 1 is a freezer compartment fan 28 (which may be referred to as a "first blower fan") for blowing air to the freezer compartment evaporator 24, and a first motor for rotating the freezer compartment fan 28. (27), a refrigerating compartment fan 29 (which may be referred to as a "second blowing fan") for blowing air to the refrigerating compartment evaporator 25 and a second motor 30 for rotating the refrigerating compartment fan 29. ) May be further included.

In the present invention, a series of cycles through which the refrigerant flows through the compressor 21, the condenser 22, the expansion member 23 and the freezer evaporator 24 is called a "freezing cycle", and the refrigerant is the compressor 21, A series of cycles through which the condenser 22, the expansion member 23, and the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25 flows will be referred to as a "refrigeration cycle."

"Refrigerating cycle is activated" means that the compressor 21 is turned on, the refrigerating chamber fan 29 is rotated, and the refrigerant flows through the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25 by the switching valve 26. This means that the refrigerant flowing through the practical evaporator 25 and the air are heat exchanged.

Further, "the freezing cycle is activated" means that the compressor 21 is turned on, the freezer compartment fan 28 is rotated, and the refrigerant flows through the freezer compartment evaporator 24 by the switching valve 26. It means that the refrigerant flowing through the freezer evaporator 24 and the heat exchange.

In the above description, one expansion member 23 is described as being located upstream of the switching valve 26. Alternatively, a first expansion member is located between the switching valve 26 and the freezing chamber evaporator 24. It is also possible to provide a second expansion member between the switching valve 26 and the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25.

As another example, the switching valve 26 is not used, the first valve is provided on the inlet side of the freezer compartment evaporator 24, and the second valve is provided on the inlet side of the refrigerator compartment evaporator 25. It is also possible. The first valve may be turned on when the refrigeration cycle is in operation, the second valve may be turned off, and the first valve may be turned off when the refrigeration cycle is in operation, and the second valve may be turned on.

The refrigerator 1 includes a freezer compartment temperature sensor 41 for detecting a temperature of the freezer compartment 111, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 42 for detecting a temperature of the refrigerator compartment 112, and the freezer compartment 111. And an input unit 43 capable of inputting a target temperature (or a set temperature) of each of the refrigerating compartments 112, and a cooling cycle (a freezing cycle and And a control unit 50 for controlling the refrigeration cycle.

In the present specification, a temperature lower than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 is referred to as a first refrigerating chamber reference temperature (or a first reference temperature), and a temperature higher than the set temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 is referred to as a second refrigerating chamber reference temperature (the first temperature). 2 reference temperature). In addition, a range between the first refrigerator compartment reference temperature and the second refrigerator compartment reference temperature may be referred to as a refrigerator compartment set temperature range.

Although not limited, the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment 112 may be an average temperature of the first refrigerator compartment reference temperature and the second refrigerator compartment reference temperature.

In this specification, a temperature lower than a set temperature of the freezer compartment 111 is referred to as a first freezer compartment reference temperature (or a third reference temperature), and a temperature higher than a set temperature of the freezer compartment 111 is referred to as a second freezer compartment reference temperature (or Fourth reference temperature). In addition, a range between the first freezer compartment reference temperature and the second freezer compartment reference temperature may be referred to as a freezer compartment set temperature range.

Although not limited, the set temperature of the freezer compartment 111 may be an average temperature of the first freezer compartment reference temperature and the second freezer compartment reference temperature.

In the present invention, the user may set a target temperature of each of the freezing compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 112.

In the present invention, the controller 50 may control the refrigeration cycle, the refrigeration cycle and the pump down operation to achieve one operation cycle. That is, the controller 50 operates the cycle while continuously operating the compressor 21 without stopping it.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pump down operation refers to an operation of collecting the refrigerant remaining in each of the evaporators to the compressor 21 by operating the compressor 21 in a state in which the refrigerant is supplied to all of the plurality of evaporators.

The controller 50 operates the refrigerating cycle, and when the stop condition of the refrigerating cycle is satisfied, operates the refrigeration cycle. When the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied while operating the refrigeration cycle, the pump down operation may be performed.

At this time, the start condition of the refrigeration cycle in the present invention may be the same as the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle.

In this embodiment, the pump down operation may be omitted under special conditions. In this case, the refrigeration cycle and the refrigeration cycle can be operated alternately. In this case, the refrigerating cycle and the refrigerating cycle may achieve one operation cycle.

For example, when the outside temperature is low, the pump down operation may be omitted.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator 1 of the present invention may further include a memory 44 in which the temperatures of each of the freezing compartment 111 and the refrigerating compartment 112 are stored during one operation cycle.

Hereinafter, a basic control method of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a basic control method of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the power of the refrigerator 1 is turned on (S1). When the power of the refrigerator 1 is turned on, the refrigerator 1 may operate to cool the freezing compartment 111 or the refrigerating chamber 112.

Hereinafter, a basic control method of the refrigerator at the time of cooling the refrigerator compartment 112 first and then the freezer compartment 111 will be described.

In order to cool the refrigerating compartment 112, the controller 50 operates the refrigerating cycle (S2).

For example, the controller 50 may turn on the compressor 21 and rotate the refrigerating compartment fan 29. The controller 50 switches the switching valve 26 to the first state so that the refrigerant flows into the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25.

The freezer compartment 28 remains stationary when the refrigeration cycle is in operation.

Then, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 and passed through the condenser 22 flows to the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25 through the switching valve 26. The refrigerant evaporated while flowing in the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25 flows back into the compressor 21.

Air exchanged with the refrigerating chamber evaporator 25 is supplied to the refrigerating chamber 112. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 is lowered, while the temperature of the freezing chamber 111 is increased.

While the refrigeration cycle is in operation, the controller 50 determines whether a stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied (S3). That is, the controller 50 determines whether the start condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied.

For example, the controller 50 may determine that the stop condition of the refrigerating cycle is satisfied when the refrigerating cycle operates and the first operation time elapses. In the present embodiment, the first operating time may vary.

If it is determined in step S3 that the start condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied, the control unit 50 operates the refrigeration cycle (S4).

For example, the controller 50 switches the switching valve 26 to the second state so that the refrigerant flows to the freezer compartment evaporator 24. The compressor 21 continues to operate without stopping even when switching from the refrigeration cycle to the refrigeration cycle.

The control unit 50 rotates the freezer compartment fan 28 and stops the refrigerating compartment fan 29.

The controller 50 may determine whether the stop condition of the refrigerating cycle is satisfied during the operation of the refrigerating cycle (S5).

For example, the controller 50 may determine that the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied when the refrigeration cycle operates and the second operation time elapses. In the present embodiment, the second operation time may vary.

When the refrigeration cycle is stopped, the pump down operation may be performed (S6).

As long as the power of the refrigerator 1 is not turned off (S7), the controller 50 operates the refrigerating cycle again.

3 and 4, the refrigerator cycle may be operated for a first reference time until the refrigerator is operated (S11) and the cycle is stabilized (S12), and the refrigeration cycle may be operated for a second reference time. Can be driven.

The first reference time and the second reference time are fixed times as predetermined times and may be stored in the memory 44.

In the present embodiment, when the cycle is stabilized, the total operating time of the refrigerator reaches a set time, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 is located within the refrigerating chamber set temperature range, or the temperature of the freezing chamber 111 is set in the freezer compartment. It may include one or more of the cases located within the temperature range.

After the cycle is stabilized, an operation time of each of the refrigerating cycle and the refrigerating cycle may be determined based on the temperatures of the refrigerating chamber 112 and the freezing chamber 111 during one previous operation cycle.

The control unit 50 obtains the representative value based on the temperature of the storage chamber during the previous one operation cycle, and calculates the difference between the representative value and the reference value (S13).

For example, by comparing the representative value and the reference value obtained based on the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 during the previous one operation cycle, the first operating time of the refrigerating cycle is set to the same time as the first reference time. May be determined or at other times.

The temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 during the previous one operation cycle is periodically sensed by the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 42 and stored in the memory 44.

The temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 during the previous one operation cycle is the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 when the refrigerating cycle operates, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 when the refrigerating cycle operates, and the temperature of the pump down operation. The temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112.

Further, by comparing the representative value and the reference value obtained based on the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during the previous one operation cycle, the second operation time of the freezing cycle is determined to be the same time as the second reference time or Can be determined at other times.

The temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during the previous one operation cycle is periodically sensed by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 41 and stored in the memory 44.

The temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during one previous operation cycle is the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 when the refrigeration cycle operates, the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 when the refrigeration cycle operates and the pump down operation. It includes the temperature of the freezing chamber 111.

Since the method of determining the operation time of each of the refrigerating cycle and the refrigerating cycle is the same, a method of determining an operation time of a cycle for cooling the storage compartment will be described below.

More specifically, for example, the controller 50 determines whether the preset reference value is equal to the representative value obtained based on the temperature of the storage chamber during the previous one operation cycle (S14).

In this case, the representative value may be, for example, a temperature deviation of the storage compartment, and the reference value may be a reference deviation.

As a result of the determination in step S14, when the reference value and the representative value are the same, the controller 50 determines to keep the operation time of the current cycle the same as the operation time of the previous cycle (S15). The determined driving time is reflected (S21). That is, operate the cooling cycle with the determined operating time.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the reference value and the representative value is not the same, the controller 50 determines whether the difference between the reference value and the representative value is greater than zero (S16).

When the difference between the reference value and the representative value is greater than zero, it may be determined that the operation time is increased than the operation time in the previous cycle (S18).

That is, when the temperature deviation of the storage compartment is smaller than the reference deviation, since the width of the temperature variation of the storage compartment is small, the operation time is operated in the previous cycle so that the time for which the temperature variation of the storage compartment is maintained is long. Decide to increase over time.

In this case, the controller 50 may calculate the amount of change in the driving time according to the difference between the reference value and the representative value (S17).

For example, when the difference between the reference value and the representative value is greater than 0, and the absolute value of the difference between the reference value and the representative value is less than or equal to the first reference value, the operation time is the first than the operation time of the previous cycle. Decrease by time.

Further, when the difference between the reference value and the representative value is greater than zero, and the absolute value of the difference between the reference value and the representative value is greater than the first reference value, the operation time is the first time than the operation time of the previous cycle. It may be determined to increase by a larger second time.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the difference between the reference value and the representative value is less than zero, it may be determined that the operation time is reduced than the operation time in the previous cycle (S20).

In this case, the controller 50 may calculate the amount of change in the driving time according to the difference between the reference value and the representative value (S19).

For example, when the difference between the reference value and the representative value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the difference between the reference value and the representative value is less than or equal to the first reference value, the operation time is the first than the operation time of the previous cycle. Decrease by time.

Further, when the difference between the reference value and the representative value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the difference between the reference value and the representative value is greater than the first reference value, the operation time is the first time than the operation time of the previous cycle. Decreasing by a larger second time may be determined.

In summary, in the present embodiment, by determining the first operating time of the refrigerating cycle based on the temperature deviation and the reference deviation obtained based on the temperature of the refrigerating chamber of the previous cycle, by determining in the direction of decreasing the temperature deviation of the refrigerating compartment There is an advantage that can reduce the temperature change of the refrigerator compartment.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the second operation time of the refrigerating cycle is determined based on the temperature deviation and the reference deviation obtained based on the temperature of the freezer compartment of the previous cycle, by determining the direction in which the temperature deviation of the freezer compartment decreases, There is an advantage to reduce the temperature change range.

That is, since the operation time is individually determined based on the temperature of each of the freezer compartment and the refrigerating compartment, there is an advantage of reducing the temperature variation of each of the freezer compartment and the refrigerating compartment.

In the present embodiment, the operation time of each of the refrigerating cycle and the refrigerating cycle may be maintained or varied, and the compressor may be operated at a fixed cooling force or the cooling power of the compressor may be changed for each cycle during the refrigerating cycle operation.

In addition, during the refrigeration cycle operation, the compressor may be operated at a fixed cooling power or the cooling power of the compressor may be changed for each cycle.

5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating a method of determining the cooling force of the compressor when each of the refrigerating cycle and the refrigerating cycle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6, the refrigerator of the present embodiment basically operates in the order of the refrigeration cycle, the refrigeration cycle, and the pump down as described with reference to FIG. 4. Of course, in some cases, the pump down operation may be omitted.

After the cycle is stabilized, the controller 50 calculates a representative value based on the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 during the previous one operation cycle (S31).

For example, the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 112 during the previous one operation cycle is periodically sensed by the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor 42 and stored in the memory 44.

As described above, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 during the previous one operation cycle is the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 when the refrigerating cycle operates, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 when the refrigerating cycle operates, and the pump. The temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 at the time of down operation is included.

In this case, the representative value may be, for example, an average temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 during one previous operation cycle.

Alternatively, the representative value may be an average temperature of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the refrigerating chamber 112 during the previous one operation cycle.

The controller 50 calculates a difference between the set temperature and the representative value (S32).

Next, the controller 50 determines whether the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is O, that is, whether the set temperature and the representative value are the same (S33).

As a result of the determination in step S33, when the set temperature and the representative value are the same, the controller 50 determines that the cooling force of the refrigerating chamber 112 is maintained (S34).

That is, it is determined that the compressor 21 operates in the current refrigeration cycle with the same cooling force as the cold power of the compressor 21 in the previous refrigeration cycle operation.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the set temperature and the representative value is not the same, the controller 50 determines whether the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero (S35).

When the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero, the controller 50 determines that the cooling force of the refrigerating compartment 112 is reduced than that of the refrigerating compartment 112 in a previous refrigeration cycle (S37).

That is, the cooling force of the compressor 21 in the current refrigeration cycle is reduced than the cooling power of the compressor 21 in the previous refrigeration cycle operation.

In this case, the controller 50 may calculate the amount of change in cooling power according to the difference between the set temperature and the representative value (S36).

For example, when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero and the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is equal to or less than a first reference value, the cooling force of the compressor 21 is changed to the previous refrigeration cycle. It can be determined to reduce by a first level than the cold power of the compressor 21 of.

Further, when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero, and the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than the first reference value, the cooling force of the compressor 21 is changed to the previous refrigeration cycle. It can be determined to reduce by a second level than the cold power of the compressor 21 of. At this time, the second level is larger than the first level.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S35 that the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is less than zero, it is determined that the cooling power of the refrigerating chamber 112 is increased to be higher than the cooling power of the refrigerating chamber 112 in the previous cycle (S39). ).

That is, the cooling force of the compressor 21 in the current refrigeration cycle is increased rather than the cold power of the compressor 21 of the previous refrigeration cycle operation.

In this case, the controller 50 may calculate the amount of change in cooling power according to the difference between the set temperature and the representative value (S38).

For example, when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is equal to or less than a first reference value, the cooling force of the compressor 21 is changed to the previous refrigeration cycle. It can be determined to increase by a third level than the cooling power of the compressor 21 of.

In addition, when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is less than 0 and the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is larger than the first reference value, the cooling force of the compressor 21 is changed to the previous refrigeration cycle. It can be determined to increase by the fourth level than the cooling power of the compressor 21 of. At this time, the fourth level is greater than the third level. The first level may be set equal to or different from the third level, and the second level may be set equal to or different from the fourth level.

The control unit 50 operates the refrigerating cycle with the determined cold power (or cold power of the compressor) of the refrigerating compartment (S40).

The controller 50 may determine whether the operation time of the refrigerating cycle has passed the first reference time (S41). That is, the controller 50 may determine whether the stop condition of the refrigerating cycle is satisfied.

In this case, the first reference time may be a fixed time.

As a result of the determination in step S41, when the operation time of the refrigerating cycle has passed the first reference time, the controller 50 stops the refrigerating cycle and operates the refrigerating cycle.

The controller 50 calculates a representative value based on the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during one previous operation cycle (S42).

For example, the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during one previous operation cycle is periodically sensed by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 41 and stored in the memory 44.

As described above, the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during one previous operation cycle includes the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 when the refrigeration cycle operates, the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 when the refrigeration cycle operates, and the pump. It includes the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during the down operation.

Alternatively, the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during the previous one operation cycle may include the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 when the refrigeration cycle operates, the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during the pump down operation, and the refrigerating cycle immediately before. It may include the temperature of the freezer compartment 111 when operating.

In this case, the representative value may be, for example, an average temperature of the freezing compartment 111 during one previous operation cycle.

Alternatively, the representative value may be an average temperature of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the freezer compartment 111 during one previous operation cycle.

The controller 50 calculates a difference between the set temperature and the representative value (S43).

Next, the controller 50 determines whether the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is O, that is, whether the set temperature and the representative value are the same (S44).

As a result of the determination in step S44, when the set temperature and the representative value are the same, the controller 50 determines that the cooling force of the freezer compartment 111 is maintained (S45).

That is, it is determined that the compressor 21 operates in the current refrigeration cycle with the same cooling force as that of the compressor 21 in the previous refrigeration cycle operation.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S44 that the set temperature and the representative value is not the same, the controller 50 determines whether the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero (S46).

When the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero, the controller 50 determines that the cooling force of the freezing compartment 111 is reduced than that of the freezing compartment 111 in the previous freezing cycle (S48).

That is, the cooling force of the compressor 21 in the current refrigeration cycle is reduced than the cold power of the compressor 21 in the previous refrigeration cycle operation.

In this case, the controller 50 may calculate the amount of change in cooling power according to the difference between the set temperature and the representative value (S47).

For example, when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero, and the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is equal to or less than a first reference value, the cooling force of the compressor 21 is changed to the previous refrigeration cycle. It can be determined to reduce by a first level than the cold power of the compressor 21 of.

Further, when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than zero, and the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is greater than a first reference value, the cooling force of the compressor 21 is changed to the previous refrigeration cycle. It can be determined to reduce by a second level than the cold power of the compressor 21 of. At this time, the second level is larger than the first level.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S46, when the difference between the reference value and the representative value is less than zero, it is determined that the cooling power of the freezer compartment 111 is increased than the cold power of the freezer compartment 111 in the previous freezing cycle ( S50).

That is, the cooling power of the compressor 21 in the current refrigeration cycle is increased than the cooling power of the compressor 21 in the previous refrigeration cycle operation.

For example, when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is less than 0, and the absolute value of the difference between the set temperature and the representative value is equal to or less than a first reference value, the cooling power of the compressor 21 is changed to the previous refrigeration cycle. It can be determined to increase by a third level than the cooling power of the compressor 21 of.

The controller 50 drives the refrigeration cycle with the determined cold power (or cold power of the compressor) of the freezing compartment 111 (S51).

The controller 50 may determine whether the operation time of the refrigeration cycle has passed the second reference time (S52). That is, the controller 50 may determine whether the stop condition of the refrigeration cycle is satisfied. In this case, the second reference time may be a fixed time.

As a result of the determination in step S52, when the operation time of the refrigeration cycle has passed the second reference time, the control unit 50 stops the refrigeration cycle, and performs the pump down operation (S53).

According to the proposed invention, the cooling force of the compressor 21 can be varied so that the difference between the set temperature and the representative value can be reduced, and thus the temperature variation of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment can be reduced, thereby improving the freshness of the stored object.

In addition, since the compressor is continuously operated while varying the cold power of the compressor, the compressor can be prevented from operating with excessive cold power, and since the compressor does not need to be turned on after turning off the compressor, power by starting power required in the process of turning on the compressor. This has the advantage of reducing consumption.

In the above embodiment, the cooling power of the compressor 21 is determined based on the difference between the set temperature and the representative value. On the contrary, the cooling power of the compressor 21 may be determined based on whether the representative value falls within a temperature satisfaction section. Can be.

The upper limit temperature of the temperature satisfying section is a temperature lower than the second reference temperature of the storage compartment, the lower limit temperature of the temperature satisfying section is a temperature higher than the first reference temperature of the storage compartment, and the set temperature is a temperature within the temperature satisfying section. to be.

In this case, when the representative value of the storage compartment falls within the temperature satisfying interval, the controller 50 may operate the compressor such that the cold power of the storage compartment is the same as the cold power of the storage compartment in a previous cycle.

On the other hand, when the representative value of the storage compartment is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature satisfaction section, the control unit 50 may control the compressor such that the cold power of the storage compartment is increased than the cold power of the storage compartment in the previous cycle. That is, the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle can be increased than the cooling power of the compressor in the previous cycle.

When the representative value of the storage compartment is lower than the lower limit temperature of the temperature satisfaction section, the controller 50 may control the compressor such that the cooling power of the storage compartment is lower than that of the storage compartment in a previous cycle. That is, the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle can be reduced than that of the compressor in the previous cycle.

In FIG. 4, a technique of varying an operating time of a refrigeration cycle and a freezing cycle is disclosed. In FIGS. 5 and 6, a technique of varying the cooling power of each of the refrigeration cycle and a refrigeration cycle is disclosed. Do.

For example, the operating time and cold power of the refrigeration cycle may vary, and the operating time and cold power of the refrigeration cycle may vary.

In this case, the operation time of the refrigerating cycle may be operated for a first reference time, which is a fixed time, and the operation time of the refrigeration cycle may be operated for a second reference time, which is a fixed time, until the stabilization condition of the cycle is satisfied. The cold power of the cycle and the cold power of the refrigeration cycle can vary.

After the stabilization condition of the cycle is satisfied, not only the cooling power in each cycle may be varied, but also the operation time in each cycle may be varied.

In this embodiment, when the stabilization condition of the cycle is satisfied, it means a case in which the cooling force increases or decreases within a predetermined range when the cooling force of the compressor in each cooling cycle is changed by a predetermined number of times. For example, it may be determined that the stabilization condition of the cycle is satisfied when the variable amount of cooling force falls within the reference range while the cooling force is varied for five times.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the representative value of the refrigerating compartment for variable cooling power may be referred to as the first representative value, and the representative value of the freezer compartment may be referred to as the second representative value.

In addition, the representative value of the refrigerating chamber for varying the operation time may be referred to as the third representative value, and the representative value of the freezer compartment may be referred to as the fourth representative value.

In the present specification, the refrigerating compartment may be referred to as a first storage compartment, and the freezing compartment may be referred to as a second storage compartment. The refrigeration cycle may be referred to as a first cooling cycle for the first storage compartment, and the refrigeration cycle may be referred to as a second cooling cycle for the second storage compartment. The refrigerating compartment fan may be referred to as a first cold air supply means for a first storage compartment, and the freezer compartment fan may be referred to as a second cold air supply means for a second storage compartment.

Alternatively, the refrigerating compartment may be referred to as a second storage compartment, and the freezing compartment may be referred to as a first storage compartment. The refrigeration cycle may be referred to as a second cooling cycle for the second storage compartment, and the refrigeration cycle may be referred to as a first cooling cycle for the first storage compartment. The refrigerator compartment fan may be referred to as a second cold air supply means for the second storage compartment, and the freezer compartment fan may be referred to as a first cold air supply means for the first storage compartment.

Claims

A compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a first evaporator for receiving coolant from the compressor to generate cold air for cooling the first storage compartment, first cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the first storage compartment, and the compressor from the compressor. A second evaporator receiving coolant to generate cold air for the second storage compartment, a second cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the second storage compartment, and a refrigerant to be connected between the compressor and the first evaporator to flow; And a valve for selectively opening any one of a second refrigerant passage connecting the first refrigerant passage and the refrigerant and the second evaporator to flow the refrigerant, thereby cooling the first storage compartment and cooling the second storage compartment. In the control method of the refrigerator configured to be alternately,

Operating a first cooling cycle for cooling the first storage compartment to operate a compressor and operating the first cold air supply means for the first storage chamber;

When the first cooling cycle is operated for a first operation time, switching to a second cooling cycle for cooling the second storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating the second cold air supply means; And

If the second cooling cycle has been operated for a second operating time, the second cooling cycle is stopped;

The first reference time is determined using a representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first storage compartment during one operation cycle comprising the previous first cooling cycle and the previous second cooling cycle, and the control unit determines the Allow the first cooling cycle to operate for a first reference time,

The second reference time is determined using the representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation period, and the controller is configured to operate the second cooling cycle during the determined second reference time. How to control the refrigerator.
The method of claim 1,

The representative value of the first storage compartment is a temperature deviation of the first storage compartment,

The representative value of the second storage compartment is a control method of the refrigerator which is a temperature deviation of the second storage compartment.
The method according to claim 1 or 2,

And the control unit compares the representative value and the reference value of the respective storage compartments and determines the first reference time and the second reference time according to a comparison result.
The method of claim 3, wherein

And when the reference value is equal to the representative value of each of the storage compartments, the controller determines the first reference time and the second reference time to be the same time as the operation time in the previous cycle.
The method of claim 4, wherein

If the difference between the reference value and the representative value of the storage compartment is greater than zero, the controller determines that the first reference time and the second reference time are increased from the operation time in the previous cycle.

And when the difference between the reference value and the representative value of the storage compartment is less than zero, determining that the first reference time and the second reference time are reduced from the operation time in a previous cycle.
The method of claim 1,

Regardless of the number of cycles, the compressor is operated by a fixed cooling power control method of the refrigerator.
The method of claim 1,

The cooling power of the compressor in the current first cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the first reservoir during the one operation cycle, and remains equal or variable to the cooling power of the compressor of the previous first cooling cycle,

The cooling power of the compressor in the current second cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation cycle, and the refrigerator's power remains the same or varies as that of the compressor of the previous second cooling cycle. Control method.
A compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a first evaporator for receiving coolant from the compressor to generate cold air for cooling the first storage compartment, first cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the first storage compartment, and the compressor from the compressor. A second evaporator receiving coolant to generate cold air for the second storage compartment, a second cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the second storage compartment, and a refrigerant to be connected between the compressor and the first evaporator to flow; And a valve for selectively opening any one of a second refrigerant passage connecting the first refrigerant passage and the refrigerant and the second evaporator to flow the refrigerant, thereby cooling the first storage compartment and cooling the second storage compartment. In the control method of the refrigerator configured to be alternately,

Operating a first cooling cycle for cooling the first storage compartment to operate a compressor and operating a first cold air supply means for the first storage compartment;

When the first cooling cycle is operated for a first reference time, switching to a second cooling cycle for cooling the second storage compartment to operate the compressor and operating the second cold air supply means; And

If the second cooling cycle has been operated for a second reference time, the second cooling cycle is stopped;

The cold power of the compressor in the current first cooling cycle uses the representative value obtained based on the temperature of the first reservoir during one operation cycle comprising the previous first cooling cycle and the previous second cooling cycle. And the control unit causes the compressor to operate in the current first cooling cycle with the determined cooling force,

The cold power of the compressor in the current second cooling cycle is determined using the representative value obtained based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operation cycle, and the control unit determines that the compressor is 2 Control method of the refrigerator to be operated in the cooling cycle.
The method of claim 8,

The representative value of the first storage compartment is an average temperature of the first storage compartment,

The representative value of the second storage compartment is a control method of the refrigerator, which is an average temperature of the second storage compartment.
The method of claim 8,

The representative value of the first storage compartment is an average temperature of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the first storage compartment,

The representative value of the second storage compartment is a control method of the refrigerator, which is an average temperature of the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the second storage compartment.
The method of claim 8,

And the control unit compares a representative value of each storage compartment with a set temperature of each storage compartment, and determines a cooling power of the compressor according to a comparison result.
The method of claim 11,

And the control unit determines that the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle is equal to the cooling power of the compressor in the previous cycle when the set temperature and the representative value of the storage compartments are the same.
The method of claim 12,

The controller determines that the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle is lower than that of the compressor in the previous cycle when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value of the storage compartment is greater than zero.

And when the difference between the set temperature and the representative value of the storage compartment is less than zero, determining that the cooling power of the compressor in the current cycle is increased than that of the compressor in the previous cycle.
The method of claim 8,

And the first reference time and the second reference time are fixed times.
The method of claim 8,

The first operating time in the current first cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the first storage compartment during the one operating cycle, which is equal to or variable than the first operating time of the previous first cooling cycle,

The second operating time in the current second cooling cycle is determined based on the temperature of the second storage compartment during the one operating cycle and is equal to or variable than the second operating time of the previous second cooling cycle. Control method.